Kansas State Rides Defense To #13 Ranking

Kansas State used a blow out of Texas and a squeaker over Oklahoma to break back into the top 15 in the AP poll with a number 13 ranking. Last Wednesday’s victory came easy, with the Wildcats dominating the entire game while scoring over 80 for the first time in conference play – and the first since November 13 against Alabama-Huntsville. At 17-4, with a 6-2 mark in Big 12 play, the Wildcats have been 2-3 against ranked teams with their next chance against #5 KU on February 11 (the Jayhawks dropped after losing their second game of the season the past weekend to Oklahoma State). And although the NCAA selection committee contends it has de-emphasized the RPI rankings, K-State is currently 24th in the standings.

Although the Wildcats have become more comfortable with their new offense, the team continues to experience its ups and downs. This was on full display last week when K-State easily dispatched the Longhorns by scoring 83 points while only allowing 57. However, every hard-nosed play and defensive hustle was necessary to thwart a late comeback win against Oklahoma en route to a 52-50 victory. K-State is sporting the top-ranked defense in the conference, allowing 57.8 points/game.

Expect more of the same tomorrow night when the Wildcats travel to Lubbock to take on 9-10 Texas Tech. Tech has scored in the 40s three times in Big 12 play, with a high score of 63. After that, they get Iowa State at home with a chance at revenge for one of their two conference losses. After a win against the Cyclones, it’s off to Lawrence where the Jayhawks only hold a one game lead over Kanas State following their loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Wildcats reaches a season-high #11 in the nation two weeks ago before dropping two straight games and falling back to number 18. Kansas lost its third ranked team after Wichita State lost two straight games last week and fell from 15th to unranked.